English Reference

Word

instrument

Phoneticsin·stru·ment, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/

UK/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/

Definitions

01musical device

A2 · Elementary Countable noun Music

n. an object used for playing or making music.

n. a device specifically designed or adapted to produce musical sounds.

“She practiced playing her instrument for two hours every afternoon.”

“The orchestra consists of several different families of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.”

Synonyms

musical instrument

02measuring tool

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Science

n. a tool used for doing very exact work or measuring something.

n. a tool or implement used for precise physical work, scientific observation, or measurement.

“The surgeon reached for a sharp instrument to begin the operation.”

“The laboratory was equipped with delicate instruments designed to detect even the slightest changes in atmospheric pressure.”

03aviation/navigation

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science Technical

n. a dial or screen in a plane or car that shows information like speed.

n. a measuring device that provides data for the control and operation of a vehicle or machine.

“The pilot checked the instruments to make sure the plane was at the right height.”

“During the storm, the pilot had to rely entirely on his flight instruments because visibility was near zero.”

Synonyms

04legal document

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal · Technical

n. a formal legal paper, such as a contract or a will.

n. a formal legal document that creates, confirms, or records a right or liability.

“The lawyer prepared the legal instrument for the sale of the house.”

“A negotiable instrument, such as a cheque or a promissory note, must be signed by the maker to be valid.”

05a means of doing something

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. something or someone used to make a specific result happen.

n. a person or thing that is used as a means to achieve a particular aim.

“The new law was an instrument for social change in the country.”

“The diplomat acted as an instrument of peace, facilitating communication between the two warring factions.”

06to add sensors

C2 · Proficiency Science Technical

v. to add measuring tools or sensors to a machine or system.

v. to equip a vehicle, machine, or system with measuring devices or sensors for monitoring performance.

“Engineers had to instrument the bridge to monitor how it moved in the wind.”

“The prototype was heavily instrumented to collect data on thermal stress during high-speed testing.”

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “instrument” in context.

01. use instrument

Etymology

From Middle English instrument, from Old French instrument, from Latin īnstrūmentum (“an implement, tool”), From īnstruō (“build, construct; arrange”) + -mentum.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

instrument(A2)

Related words

Domains

AviationLaw

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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